New performance data released by the Department for Education shows that Stonyhurst achieved an A-level progress score of +0.68, placing it 16th out of 2,540 schools and colleges across England, including both state and independent institutions.
The A-level progress score measures how much progress students make between GCSE and A level compared with pupils nationally who started with similar GCSE results. A score of +0.68 means that, on average, Stonyhurst students achieve almost three-quarters of a grade higher in each A-level subject than comparable students elsewhere in the country.
Within the independent sector, Stonyhurst ranks 9th out of 487 schools, placing it among the highest-performing schools in England for academic progress.
The recognition builds on the strong results reported across Jesuit schools last summer, when students at Stonyhurst achieved 80% of A-level grades at A–B*, contributing to results across the Jesuit school network that were well above national averages.
At Stonyhurst, academic ambition is closely connected with the Jesuit tradition of education, which emphasises the formation of the whole person. Rooted in the Jesuit principle Quant Je Puis — “as much as I can” — students are encouraged not only to achieve strong grades but to grow intellectually, spiritually and personally.
This broader approach to education can be seen across the life of the College. Earlier this year, The Tablet highlighted how Stonyhurst’s historic collections — including rare books, manuscripts and artefacts — are used in lessons to bring history, science and culture to life for pupils. Students regularly engage directly with these objects as part of their learning, reflecting the Jesuit belief that education should cultivate curiosity, reflection and a deeper understanding of the world.
The College’s average A-level attainment also remains high, with students achieving 42.25 points on average, compared with an independent sector average of 39.95 points.
Notably, Stonyhurst achieves these results while remaining non-selective, supporting pupils of a wide range of academic backgrounds to make exceptional progress during their time in the Sixth Form.
Across Jesuit schools in Britain, academic success is understood as part of a wider mission of education: forming young people who are intellectually curious, socially aware and committed to serving the common good.
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